Walk-In Clinic:

Always looking for more medical providers, please visit the Volunteer page to apply!

Western Herbal Medicine:

Herbalists are holistic healthcare practitioners who use herbs (plants) as their primary medicine.

An herbalist assesses a patient’s health history and life habits to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, and provides a comprehensive evaluation of current health problems and symptoms

Can recommend therapies that can consist of single herbs, or formulations in the form of teas, tinctures, and other preparations.

Herbal medicine can be an excellent choice for many chronic and acute conditions and as a preventive tool to maintain health

Herbal medicines can also help improve the way a person’s body and systems work together over time

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-like needles into special points on the body, both for the treatment of ailments and also as a preventative measure to maintain health.

A typical session involves a comprehensive initial visit and a treatment that lasts about 30-45 minutes.

Massage Therapy:

There are many types and traditions of massage, but all massage therapies use some degree of manual manipulation of the muscles, fascia, or tissues of various parts of the body.

The strength and depth of treatment, as well as the range of areas treated, depend on the therapist and the patient’s primary concerns.

Massage is aimed at increasing the circulation of blood, stimulating the flow of lymph, and releasing tension in the muscles and soft tissues of the body.

There is a joint program between The Finger Lakes School of Massage (FLSM) and IHA. Appointments are with both a student & instructor. The appointments for part of this program are determined by the CC.

Chiropractic:

Chiropractic uses specific adjustments of the spine and other joints to correct imbalances in the body.

Based on the belief that the body has an inborn ability to heal itself, which can be inhibited by time, poor diet, injury, negative mental stress, environmental pollution and medication.

Persistent or acute back pain, neck pain, or headaches are the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care, although many others use it as a way to maximize general health and wellness.

There is also a joint program between New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) and IHA. Appointments are with both student(s) & instructor.

Women’s Health/GYN:

Referrals can be made for other screenings, STI testing, and other services.

If you see a male gynecologist, a woman will always be in the room with you.

Counseling:

This service requires screening by a clinic physician or nurse practitioner. Before making an appointment, patients must be seen at the walk-in clinic. This is to rule out or help manage any physical health problems (such as a thyroid problem, nutrition deficiency, diabetes, etc.)

Short-term therapy. Up to six sessions are available with a skilled and compassionate professional.

Counseling may help people understand thoughts, feelings, fears, perceptions, troubling or private concerns

Counseling may help people work through problems

Counseling may help people have healthier relationships at home and work

Counseling may help people focus on self-care: sleep, exercise, nutrition, and hydration

School district nurses can arrange physicals for uninsured children K-12, including for sports, so we generally don’t do those either.

If someone asks for a general physical, direct women to make an appointment for the Women’s Health service.

Physicals are by appointment not during walk-in services because in order to do a physical right, the doctor has to take their time and do a full workup. We need to save walk-in spots for sick people.

Immunizations:

PPD Test otherwise known as “Tuberculosis Test” is not an immunization, but a common test for Tuberculosis. IFC will perform this test for people that work in the healthcare industry, and many other jobs in the area as well as for people who have weakened immune systems and people who may have been exposed to Tuberculosis while traveling.

TDAP – A vaccine for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis

Occupational Therapy:

Helps people who have suffered an illness, injury, or have trouble with any of the skills needed for daily living, not limited to work-related (i.e. occupational) skills.

Occupational Therapists help their patients to focus on their physical, social, and psychological needs, and to concentrate on what is important to rebuild their health, independence, and self-esteem.

Free Occupational Therapy services are offered at the Free Clinic through a collaboration with the Ithaca College Occupational Therapy Department. OT is available by appointment every week.

Our volunteer physicians and other practitioners in the community can make referrals for treatment through the program.

Nutrition Consultation:

A Registered Dietician is a food and nutrition expert who helps people evaluate their nutritional needs and food intake.

Dietitians typically work with people who have chronic illnesses or dietary restrictions. Common topics include: weight loss, salt/sodium, fat and cholesterol, and sugar/carbohydrates. Making good food choices can improve many health outcomes.

Energy Work:

Reiki:

Reiki is a hands on natural healing process using the universal life force energy that circulates throughout our bodies.

Reiki treatments typically last between 20-60 minutes.

The Reiki practitioner gently places his/her hands, on or just above the patient’s body in specific energy locations. Each position is held for 2 minutes or longer.

People may feel deeply relaxed or energized after the treatment, some do not perceive any change at all.

According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, people use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction and symptom relief, often in conjunction with standard Western medical care.

Chronic Care Program:

The Chronic Care Program is an integrative program to help patients who have chronic conditions be seen on a consistent basis at the Ithaca Free Clinic.

Patients are seen by appointment. The first appointment is a longer appointment in which the patient and provider look to understand what chronic issues are going on and what goals the patient looks to set.

Future appointments with the same provider are for treatment and maintenance of goals and chronic conditions.

Referrals are made to other providers depending on the patient’s needs and goals.

**Not all services are available at all times. The Ithaca Free Clinic relies completely on volunteer providers to provide services to patients. If you would like to volunteer with us or know someone who would, please visit the Volunteer page.